Vision Impairment
A condition that prevents students from being able to access their education because of low vision loss or blindness; it is through the help of assistive technoloyg tools like the magnifying glass, audio devices, or even braille systems that can provide these students with assistance in attaining the same resources to those of their peers. Depending on the severity of their visual impairment that these individuals are diagnosed with, the tools that are used can vary in many ways. For instance, students with low vision could find low technology supports like Screen magnifiers more helpful than those who are blind.
How Are Assistive Technology Tools for the visually Impaired Helpful in the Classroom?
-Easy to use tools that are provided in classroom or used at home
-Students can carry them to and from class
-Students can use them to assist them with homework and in-class assignments
-These tools act as a guide for those with low-vision
-Those who are blind have equal access to the curriculum with their assistive technology Tools
-Students can carry them to and from class
-Students can use them to assist them with homework and in-class assignments
-These tools act as a guide for those with low-vision
-Those who are blind have equal access to the curriculum with their assistive technology Tools
Low Technology Supports:
Enlarged Print:
When text is bigger than the regular
size both on computer screen and on worksheets.
Screen Magnifiers:
Tool on the computer used for getting a
closer look at the different parts of the screen such as pictures or
text.
Mid Technology Supports:
Large Key Calculators:
These calculators are great tools to use for students that have difficulties with low vision. The keys are enlarged purposely so students can differentiate between the numbers and its functions. Students may find it useful because not only is it easily-accessible, but it also can be taken anywhere the student would need it; like in the classroom, home, on the road. Stude
Portable Scanner/Reader: (Eye-Pal)
-This tool is easy to handle for those with visual impairments because of its small size. For when students need to be able to read through text, all they have to do is put the book under the eye and it has the ability to read the text aloud to the student or be converted to braille format.
High Technology Supports:
CCTV:
They help those that struggle with low vision the ability to see text enlarged on a big screen. Attached to the screen is a camera that can project a magnified image of the printed material.
Braille Writer:
-Can be used for students who are visually impaired. Students of all ages who do know braille can use this to type up and complete assignments within the classroom.
Book Share:
A website that provides a wide variety of audiobooks, magazines, and articles online for the visually impaired. These resources can be downloaded right to your computer where the text is said aloud.
LOUIS:
A database that contains a list of many titles in braille, larger text, pre-recorded audio, etc that can be downloaded easily for reading needs.
Resources:
http://emvitu.com/clearance.html
http://www.perkins.org/smartbrailler/features-benefits.html
http://www.sightconnection.com/cctvs.html
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/997404-469/teacher-helps-students-learn-about-braille-at.html
http://emvitu.com/clearance.html
http://www.perkins.org/smartbrailler/features-benefits.html
http://www.sightconnection.com/cctvs.html
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/997404-469/teacher-helps-students-learn-about-braille-at.html